Providing Incisive Commentary on the Giants and the NFL

In consecutive weeks, as time expired, the Giants have lost back-to-back games. Struggling all game, Bucs placekicker Nick Folk, who left seven points off the board (two missed FG and one PAT), nailed the game winner. The Tampa Bay Bucs ended the Giants 2017 season. With this crushing loss, the Giants overall record dropped to 0-4. Needless to say, their playoff aspirations are dashed, and they are out of the playoffs.

In New York Football Giants history, which includes this team, the team has started a season 0-4 five times, and in each 0-4 season, the Giants failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Going into the season, one of our major concerns was the Giants pass defense, especially defending the deep pass. Last year, Pete figured out that New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had come up with a new type of defense. His focus on improving the team from the previous year was to stop the run. Clearly, they did extremely well. The Giants finished third overall in the NFL. Additionally, Spags used safety Landon Collins as a quasi-linebacker. He leveraged Collins’ strengths, which are tackling and blitzing. Collins was used in the short zones to cut off the short passes used by most offenses. This defense worked, and it catapulted the Giants to a playoff berth.

With a year of film to examine, we believe teams have figured out Spags’ defense. If a team has a quarterback who can sling the ball downfield, they can exploit this Giants’ pass defense. Why? The Giants’ safeties are not capable of covering guys deep, which includes Collins. Notice the highlights in this game. Collins was the primary defender on the Mike Evans catch that set up a score and on the TE Brate’s reception that set up the winning field goal.

Bucs’ splash pass plays: (pass plays over 30 yards)

Tampa had FOUR pass plays over 30 yards. 35, 31,38, 58 (TD).

More importantly, the Giants have not been able to stop the run this year. Spags’ defense is predicated on stifling the run. The other important point is the Giants are having trouble generating pressure with their front four defensive linemen. They had ONE sack all game. When the Giants needed their fourth-quarter pass rush, it was invisible. Lastly, the Giants’ defense DID NOT generate any turnovers.

Although Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston missed some throws in this game, he was able to undress this Giants pass defense. He threw for 332 yards and THREE touchdowns. He was the difference maker in this game.

Other Observations:

Brad Wing: What the heck is going on with this guy? In back-to-back weeks, he shanked two punts. This week, his 15-yard punt gave the Bucs outstanding field position. Ultimately, Tampa took advantage and scored the game winning points.

Nick Folk: As mentioned, he kept the Giants in this game. He missed two field goals and an extra point. If he does his job, the game is not even close.

Ben McAclueless: What is this guy doing? Another Ray Handley? Early in the game with the score 7-0, the Giants have a fourth down on the Tampa 30-yard line. The distance is fourth and four. What does McAclueless do? The moron goes for it. It is the first quarter! Kick the FG, and get points on the board. Another boneheaded game management decision that cost the Giants THREE points. If you look at the final score, if he sent Rosas out there, and the FG was good, the Giants might have won this game.

Eli Manning: Courageous. He knew the season was on the line, and he played like it. Under pressure for most of the entire game, Eli used his feet and arm to get the Giants a win. He threw for 288 yards and TWO TDs and ran for a TD. It was an outstanding performance by our quarterback.

Wayne Gallman: Once he came onto the field, he infused energy into the running game. The Giants finished with 91 yards rushing, and Gallman was responsible for 42 yards. Furthermore, he caught his first NFL touchdown on his birthday. The Giants have found their running back. Note: the Bucs were without two of their starting linebackers (Alexander and David). We believe this is a reason why the Giants were able to get a running game going.

Going forward, the Giants have to salvage their season. How will they finish? Will the avalanche of losses continue?

One thought on “Bucs 25 NYG 23-IT IS OVER!”

A couple things. If we assume that this is as talented a team as we have been told by countless sources then it points to bad coaching. This isn’t to the level of Handley but it is pointing that way.

Also why did it take them 4 weeks to use Gallman? Did he look that much worse than Perkins or Darkwa in practice? That also points to bad judgement on the coach’s part – assuming Reese’s hand isn’t in this.

Before the season I was thinking 8-8 for this team because of no improvement of offensive line. 8-8 would be a huge success now. How pathetic is that…

Follow Us

Written by: Glenn Warciski and Paul Burke Ugh! The more things change with the Giants team the more they remain the same. The arch rival Dallas Cowboys mauled the Giants 35-10. We are not counting the garbage touchdown scored by… Continue reading →

Prophet Bleeds Blue This is the 5th year that I am embarking on previewing and predicting Giants games with “The Prophet’s Pulpit”. I want to thank Glenn at nygunderground.com for giving me the opportunity. I have been a Giants’ fan… Continue reading →

Written by: Glenn Warciski and Paul Burke Before we delve into our predictions for the upcoming year, let us examine some of the questions surrounding this team. Will headstrong Dave Gettleman construct a team which can win while rebuilding? We… Continue reading →

Written by: Glenn Warciski I am glad Giants fullback Eli Penny made the 53 man active roster. Although this position has been marginalized, the fullback position is making a resurgence. The Patriots will use their fullback James Develin more… Continue reading →

Written by: Glenn Warciski Last season, the Giants posted a dismal 5-11 record. Although they won 5 games, the Giants had a 4-8 record in one score games. In other words, their overall outcome of total wins could have been… Continue reading →

Written by: Glenn Warciski Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is all the rave. Deservedly so with his impressive performances in his first two preseason games. With Jones exceeding expectations thus far, albeit against back ups, the Giants are in the midst… Continue reading →

Written by: Tony “The Prophet” Yantosca Prophet with LT. I thought on 12/4/17, one of the greatest days in New York Football Giants History, the Giants’ road for the future would get better. That was the day that the Giants,… Continue reading →

Written by: Glenn Warciski 5 for 5 and a TD! Although it is preseason and only one series, Giants 2019 first round pick QB Daniel Jones provided much needed excitement for a frustrated fan base and beleaguered front office. Jones… Continue reading →

Written by: Glenn Warciski Back to School. Back to Football. The New York Football Giants begin their preseason vs the New York Jets on Thursday night. Finally, we can focus on football. Needless to say, this has been a tumultuous… Continue reading →

Written by: Glenn Warciski and Paul Burke The analytics community put the spotlight on the New York Football Giants in April 2018. After selecting Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick, Giants GM Dave Gettleman defended his decision about selecting… Continue reading →

nygunderground

No upcoming events

Follow Blog via Email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.